Brothers Islands: The Ultimate Guide to 2 Epic Shark Reefs
The Brothers Islands — known locally as El Akhawein — are two tiny, isolated rock outcrops rising from the deep in the middle of the Red Sea, far offshore from El Quseir. Reachable only by liveaboard, they are one of Egypt’s premier destinations for sheer walls, pelagic action and shark encounters. This guide covers the two islands, their famous wrecks, the marine life and what it takes to dive there.
Big Brother and Little Brother
The two islands sit about a kilometre apart. Big Brother is the larger, topped by a stone lighthouse built in the 1880s, and its walls hold two celebrated wrecks. Little Brother is smaller but arguably richer underwater, ringed by vertical reef walls draped in some of the most spectacular soft corals and gorgonian fans in the Red Sea.
The wrecks of Big Brother
- The Numidia — a British cargo steamer that sank in 1901, now lying dramatically down the north wall from around 10 metres to well beyond recreational depth, encrusted in coral.
- The Aida — an Egyptian supply vessel wrecked in 1957, resting on the same wall and equally coral-covered.
Both wrecks are dived as steep wall dives, with the shallower sections accessible to advanced recreational divers and the deeper parts the preserve of technical divers.
Sharks and pelagic life
The Brothers are famous for sharks. Grey reef and whitetip sharks are common along the walls, thresher sharks patrol the deeper water, and in the right season oceanic whitetip sharks and scalloped hammerheads are among the main reasons divers make the journey. The exposed plateaus and current-swept points also draw tuna, barracuda and the occasional manta.
Conditions and experience level
This is advanced, current-swept diving in open water with no shallow reef to shelter behind. Strong and changeable currents, deep walls and the remote location mean operators typically require an Advanced certification, a minimum number of logged dives, and comfort with drift and blue-water diving. Nitrox is standard and highly recommended.
| Detail | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Access | Liveaboard only |
| Level | Advanced + logged-dive minimum |
| Currents | Strong, changeable |
| Best season | Roughly May–July for sharks |
How to dive the Brothers Islands
The Brothers are accessible only by liveaboard, usually on itineraries that also take in Daedalus and Elphinstone — the classic “BDE” route. Because the islands are a protected marine area, access is sometimes seasonal or permit-controlled. To plan a trip, see our Red Sea liveaboard safaris guide, explore our liveaboard options, and read about nearby Elphinstone Reef.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Brothers Islands?
Only by liveaboard. The islands are far offshore in the central Red Sea and are not reachable on a day trip; they are typically dived on multi-day safaris from Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Port Ghalib.
What sharks can you see at the Brothers?
Grey reef and whitetip sharks are regular, with thresher sharks in deeper water and seasonal oceanic whitetips and hammerheads — the main draw for many divers.
What level do I need for the Brothers Islands?
Advanced Open Water plus a logged-dive minimum and comfort with strong currents and blue-water diving. Nitrox is recommended.
When is the best time to dive the Brothers?
The season generally runs from spring into autumn, with roughly May to July considered prime time for shark encounters. Access can be seasonal, so check current regulations when booking.
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